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How to Fight Book Bans and Win

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How to Fight Book Bans and Win

The Washington Post,

5 min read
3 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

If your local authorities are considering book bans, get in front of their decision by acting promptly.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Washington Post reporter Alyssa Rosenberg explains how to take an active role in opposing state and municipal book bans. National organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Library Association and PEN America are working to thwart book banning legislation and to get signatures for anti-censorship petitions. To object to a possible book ban, Rosenberg reports, always show up at relevant public meetings. Target your message locally. Focus on how bans waste money from increased municipal insurance to courtroom defenses. You can protest bans’ impact on education, literary freedom and parental choices, but to stop a book ban from happening, go for pocketbook issues.

Summary

Most people surveyed say that banning some books could affect “educationally important” books.

In spite of the censorship wave targeting books at schools and libraries, a March 2023 survey by the Wall Street Journal-University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center found that 61% of respondents believe that censorship poses the risk of banning “educationally important” books and topics.

 

Public dislike of book bans crossed political affiliations.

When fighting censorship in your community, rely on actions and information that will resonate locally.

Those who wish to oppose book banning efforts must tailor their comments at public meeting to address local concerns.

For example, they could argue that banning books leads to extra...

About the Author

Alyssa Redmond is a Washington Post columnist who writes about culture, parenting and gender. She previously wrote for Slate and The Atlantic.com.

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